UV Index in Massawa, Eritrea

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Massawa, Eritrea, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage, especially in a region where the climate falls within the hot desert zone (BWh), leading to elevated UV exposure. With peak UV Index values soaring to 11 around noon, residents and visitors alike should take proactive measures to shield themselves from harmful rays. Enjoying the sun safely means staying informed about the UV Index, making it essential knowledge for anyone in this vibrant coastal city.

Hourly UV Index in Massawa

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb steadily, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 AM. By 09:00 AM, it surges to 5, signaling a need for early protective measures. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM, with a high of 11, marking the time for maximum caution under the sun. The intensity starts to wane in the afternoon, dropping to 6 by 03:00 PM and further decreasing to a gentle 1 by 05:00 PM. As the daylight fades, the UV Index falls to 0 by 07:00 PM, signaling the end of a day with notable solar exposure. Plan your activities accordingly to enjoy the sun safely!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	2	low	45 min
09:00	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	8	very high	15 min
11:00	10	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	6	high	25 min
16:00	3	moderate	30 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Massawa

The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal variations, peaking during the spring months of March through May, where it reaches an extreme level of 12, corresponding to a burn time of just 10 minutes. High-risk months for UV exposure include March, April, and May when precautions are particularly crucial. From January to February, the index remains very high at 9 and 10, with a 15-minute burn time, while the UV index drops slightly in the cooler months of December and November but still remains high at 8 to 9. Visitors and residents are advised to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing, especially during peak hours from late morning to early afternoon, to mitigate the risk of UV-related health issues.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Massawa, Eritrea

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Massawa. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Massawa, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Massawa UV Index with Other Eritrea Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Massawa compares to other major locations across Eritrea. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Massawa's solar exposure compared to other cities in Eritrea. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Massawa	9	10	12	12	11	10	10	10	10	9	9	8
Assab UVI	10	11	12	13	13	10	10	10	10	10	9	8
Keren UVI	11	12	14	14	14	12	12	13	12	12	10	9
Mendefera UVI	11	13	15	15	14	12	13	13	12	12	10	10
Asmara UVI	11	13	15	15	14	12	13	13	12	12	10	10